The Opener: You Could Rave to the Sound Chalk Makes
The moniker the sound chalk makes might suggest something quiet or ephemeral, but the music behind the name is anything but. Kabir Parekh, the 20-year-old artist behind the project, is carving out a shimmering, alternative electronica sound that feels both delicate and dangerously danceable. Born in San Francisco and raised in Mumbai, Parekh is currently honing his craft in London, building significant momentum following the release of his track “Manmade Manmaid.”
The origin of his stage name dates back to when he was just 14, signing up for DistroKid. While he initially flirted with the idea of calling himself “Hiareth”—a Welsh term for a nostalgia that never existed—he eventually settled on the evocative imagery of chalk on pavement. It is a fitting metaphor for his music: a smudgy, colorful, and deeply personal outpouring of ideas that feel like childhood memories reimagined through a modern, internet-inspired lens.
Parekh’s production style is versatile, capable of shifting from introspective soundscapes to hard-hitting club anthems. Tracks like “Ladies with an attitude” and the aggressive, bass-heavy “Marijuana (2die4)” serve as perfect examples of his range. These songs are designed to resonate, particularly within the underground club scene in Mumbai, where Parekh frequently collaborates with friends to host events.
A Creative Perspective
In a recent conversation, Parekh shared insights into his creative process and the influences that shape his world. When asked about his favorite concert, he points to a formative experience at age 10, watching the Manganiyar Classroom in Mumbai. “It was a bunch of kids around my age who were so amazingly talented,” he recalls. “It made me fall in love with Rajasthani folk music.”
His musical palate is equally eclectic. He cites Sleeper by the Celtic instrumental band Kan as the first album he ever bought, noting how its instrumental textures continue to influence his own work. This appreciation for instrumental storytelling extends to his desire to remix artists like Alex G, whose guitar progressions he finds remarkably similar to his own synth-based compositions.
Life Beyond the Studio
For Parekh, music is inextricably linked to his daily life and personal history. He is rarely seen without his dogtags—a memento from a summer party he hosted with friends—and he maintains a pragmatic approach to his art. When asked about lyrics that people might misunderstand, he offers a refreshingly open philosophy: “I don’t think you can misunderstand a lyric. What you understand is exactly what it means—your perception is your reality.”
Whether he is running through London, scrolling through YouTube, or writing down fleeting thoughts in his notes app—like his recent observation that “money is time so it flies when you’re having fun”—Parekh remains a student of his own experiences. As he continues to evolve, his advice to others remains grounded in resilience: “If you think you’ve failed so far, why are you still scared of failure?”
